Under The Lights

There is a definite level of excitement that carries through Cobo Hall when the doors first open for the annual Detroit AutoRama. As showgoers stream in, some of the first vehicles they see are the Great Eight contenders for the coveted Ridler Award.

The contenders are always top-notch and can easily overshadow the hundreds of other rods, customs, musclecars, and drag cars on display. While we think it is important to show you the Ridler contenders, it is also important to present some of the other fine entries, for without them the AutoRama never would have garnered its nationally known reputation.

These other entries are what make this a huge show, unequalled in size and every bit as popular this year as in preceding years, judging by the huge crowd. Unseasonably nice weather no doubt played a big role in attendance.

Competition is keen for the Ridler, probably the most coveted award in the rod and custom hobby, and judging is no easy task for members of the Michigan Hot Rod Association (MHRA). When the votes were counted, it was Al Brokly's bright-red Willys that took home the '04 Ridler.

As the show wound down and Al packed up his trophy, we thought we heard the buzzing of welders and turning of wrenches off in the distance. No doubt it was a new crop of Ridler contenders, already hard at work and dreaming about next year's AutoRama.